Suspensions and Probation

Dermot Damian Givens [#194571], 51, of Beverly Hills, was placed on stayed suspension Nov. 29, 2017, for one year and on probation for two years. He must pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Conditions of probation include that he must attend the State Bar Ethics School and the State Bar Client Trust Accounting School and pass their examinations. Givens stipulated that he commingled personal funds in his client trust account by depositing checks for his earned legal fees.. He made a payment for his malpractice insurance from his CTA, which also constituted commingling personal funds in his client trust account. In aggravation, there were multiple acts of misconduct. In mitigation, Givens had practiced for nearly 18 discipline-free years. He suffered extreme emotional difficulties due to his father’s deteriorating health and subsequent death. He submitted letters attesting to his good character, his pro bono work and his community service.